What is a Capital Improvement?

If you have direct ownership of a property used for business or investment, there could come a time when you might want to make a change to it. You might want to add an addition or refloor the asset. These are activities that fall under the category of capital improvement.

How Do You Value a Commercial Real Estate Property?

When you invest in commercial real estate, it’s vital to know the value of your assets. This statement seems logical since the value is essential information for buying, selling, financing, and paying taxes. However, it isn’t always simple to determine a fair price for a property unless you want or need to sell it (since, ultimately, how much a buyer will pay is one bottom line approach to valuation). Also, keep in mind that land value differs from a developed parcel's value.

What is a Letter of Instruction?

Planning for the transfer of your assets following death involves more than writing a will or establishing a trust (or both). A will often called the last testament—is a legal document describing how a person's assets will be distributed following their death. Everyone needs a will, but not everyone has the assets to warrant a trust. Those who do have trusts also need wills, which can provide detail about the distribution of personal effects and can also include the grantor’s wishes about certain things.

How Do I Find Who Owns Mineral Rights to My Property?

To the surprise of many, mineral rights and property rights are two separate things. Mineral rights can be sold or conveyed independently of property rights, so owning a piece of property does not always mean you also own the rights to the minerals under it. We’ll explain how to determine who owns your property's mineral rights.